Damascus Virginia BEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES

1. Washington County Park Unwind on a sandy lakefront beach surrounded by stunning mountain views. This popular park offers swimming, picnicking, hiking, and a full suite of outdoor amenities along the sparkling waters of South Holston Lake.

2. Hungry Mother State Park Relax on a wide, sandy beach bordering a scenic mountain lake perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The park is a regional favorite for family picnics, wildlife watching, kayaking, and outdoor adventure.

3. Claytor Lake State Park Revel in a lively beach scene on a large, clear lake with designated swimming, paddling, and fishing areas. The park's waterfront boasts a sandy shoreline, picnic shelters, and boat rentals for all-day fun.

4. Smith Mountain Lake State Park Sink your toes into soft sand at one of the state's most celebrated freshwater beaches. The setting features gentle swimming waters, abundant wildlife, and expansive lake views framed by forested hills.

5. Shawnee Recreation Area, South Holston Lake Dive into classic lake fun at a large sandy beach nestled on the Tennessee side of South Holston Lake. This favorite spot offers swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking with panoramic water and mountain vistas.

6. Cherokee Lake - Panther Creek State Park Experience lakeside relaxation on a well-maintained swimming beach in a spacious park filled with rolling hills and woodlands. Visitors enjoy water sports, birdwatching, and scenic picnic areas along the shoreline.

7. Laurel Bed Lake Recreation Area Enjoy quiet seclusion on the sandy shores of a high-elevation lake surrounded by lush mountain forests. The area offers pristine swimming, fishing, and peaceful wildlife observation.

8. Watauga Lake - Watauga Point Recreation Area Stretch out on a broad, grassy beach and swim in sparkling waters with mountain views all around. The recreation area is ideal for lakeside picnics, sunbathing, and watching boats glide across the lake.

9. Douglas Lake - Douglas Dam Headwater Campground Make a splash on the gently sloping beach at this lakeside campground, perfect for families and day-trippers. The area features swimming, sunning, and scenic picnic spots overlooking the vast reservoir.

10. Haven Beach Stroll along a long, sandy public beach on the Chesapeake Bay, known for its peaceful setting and broad shoreline. This coastal gem is ideal for swimming, kite flying, and wildlife watching by the water's edge.